Autumn Ohio Star Wallhanging or Table Topper

Autumn is definitely my favorite season!  Davis Ranch has tons of great fall veggies, fresh corn, and they should be getting ready to harvest pumpkins any day now.  Apple Hill is gearing up for another season of yummy apples, baked goodies, and fun crafts.  And, of course, it's almost Big Crush season in Amador County wine country!  All the leaves are changing colors and all our favorite wineries are gearing up to release their latest wines.  Hooray!

Around our house, we're finally catching our breaths from the frenetic summer season,  Last week, Aiden and I braved their airport, all on our own for the very first time, to visit my ailing grandfather in southern California.  It was an unexpected trip and I came home in a bit of a tired, melancholy fog.  After a few days of lounging in our PJs, I sought comfort in my little sewing room and {after a quick trip to JoAnn's} settled in for some fall sewing!

With as scattered as I feel I've been the last few weeks, I've happily been able to focus long enough to finish several projects.  I should have pictures to share soon!

In the meantime, I'd like to introduce ....

This pattern is fat quarter and scrap-drawer friendly, and features a traditional Ohio Star quilt block along with fall leaf appliques and pinwheel blocks.  It's a perfect foray for new quilters and a quick, festive project for experienced quilters!

The pattern is available on Craftsy and Etsy.

Finishing up!

To be honest, I haven't touched my sewing machine since last Thursday!  We spent the whole weekend enjoying family visiting from out of town ... and then the little guy and I spent all day yesterday recuperating!

I did manage to sneak out Thursday afternoon and get some shots of Pretty in Pink since we had a beautifully sunny afternoon.

It's hard to tell up against the fence, but I decided to use a chocolately-brown fabric for the binding (and the backing!) to ground the quilt a bit.  I didn't want it to be overwhelmingly pink!  This is my first scrappy(-ish) quilt and I'm really happy with the way it turned out.  I tried really hard not to do any planning with my block placement so as to give the quilt a really random look.  I finally opted to do some straight-line quilting to frame the blocks in pink thread.

Just for fun, I'm linking up at Quilt Story's Fabric Tuesday, to celebrate the finish!






Be sure to check out all of the other yummy projects, including Heather & Megan's latest Moda Bake Shop table runner tutorial!

If you're interested in making your own version of my Pretty in Pink quilt, the pattern is now available in my etsy shop.  You can still receive 50% off of all patterns by using the coupon code JAN2012 before the end of the day.

Fabric requirements are: 

• White-on-White Floral print: 2 yards
• Various Pink and White Fat Quarters: at least 7 (sample used 12), or scraps totaling 1 + 3/4 yards
• Brown and Pink Print (for Binding): 1/2 yards

The pattern includes step-by-step assembly instructions and color assembly diagrams!

I'm off to try and get some sewing done before my little one wakes up!  Happy Sewing!

Love is in the Air ...

... and to celebrate, I'm having a little sale over in my Etsy shop!

To celebrate St. Valentine's Day next, several of my patterns are on sale for $1.49!  Regular retail price is $8.00.

Happy Sewing!!

Blogger's Quilt Festival - Fall 2010

Amy's Creative Side is hosting a fantastic Blogger's Quilt Festival showcasing the many talents of our fellow quilty bloggers.  I was so inspired after looking at all the beautiful quilts that I decided to add my latest finish to the parade.

If you're interested in participating as well, Amy is accepting submission through Friday, November 5th.  All the details are here!

Our family and friends have been blessed with an abundance of babies lately!  Last count, we have 7 babies who are happily on the way or who have just been born.  As my absolute favorite gifts to give at baby showers are baby quilts, there have been a number that have left my sewing room over the past couple of months.  While I've loved them all ... this latest quilt is turning out to be my absolutely favorite!

This quilt is for a little guy who should be making his debut in just a couple of weeks.  I knew that the mommy-to-be was planning her nursery in shades of blue and brown, so I seized the opportunity to get my hands on that Pure layer cake and matching brown polka dot yardage I'd had my eye on for awhile.  I had been finishing up my Cherish quilt when I ordered the fabric online, so it wasn't until I actually had it in hand that I began to get an idea in my head of what I actually wanted to do with it.

I've really had a thing for quilts with a crisp, white background as of late, so I knew that I wanted to use my favorite white-on-white polka dot print behind some sort of a pinwheel-ish block.  After seeing all the 10" blocks laid out side-by-side in their colorways, I decided to pair up the blue/white prints and the brown/cream prints into two-tone double pinwheels.  With a little bit of chain piecing, the blocks for this quilt really flew together!!

One new-to-me technique that I used while piecing the blocks was directional seam pressing, as opposed to my normally favored method of just pressing the seams open.  I know that there is a lot of debate out there over these two methods and that there are pros and cons to both.  I've always personally just pressed my seams open because I felt like it gave me more control over precisely aligning my seams.  After having given the "other" method a shot, though, I have to say that I was very happy with the results and will probably (occasionally) use the method again.

In my mind, I had originally planned to set the blocks with white polka dot sashing and only use the brown polka dot print for the interesting squares at the corners.  Once I had all the blocks finished and laid out, the white was a bit over powering and almost made the quilt a bit feminine.  I set the blocks against the brown polka dot sashing instead and that was it - I was in love!

I've named this quilt Puppy Dog Tails, not only because "... that's what boys are made of ..." but also because when my little pups are happy, their tails wag a-mile-a-minute, kinda like pinwheels.

Luigi 

Lily

Thanks so much for stopping by on your Blogger's Quilt Festival parade!

If you're interested in making your own version of Puppy Dog Tails, please visit my etsy shop or my bigcartel shop to purchase the pattern.  Right now, it's on sale for $4.49!

Etsy Treasuries ...

Have you ever checked out the Treasury section on Etsy?  It's a great place for Etsians to showcase their (themed) favorites from fellow Etsians.  Up until recently, Etsy only allowed a certain number of treasuries to be in rotation at any given moment, so it was really difficult to create your own ... but lo' and behold, for some reason, I was able to create today!  Check it out -- I hope you enjoy!!

Mr. Darcy's Girl


   

Dreaming in Blue



 

Little Boxes ... an update

A whole lot of sewing has been going on in my studio over the past couple of weeks, so here's my stash update!

Stash Update (July 17th - August, 2010):
Used:  3.43 yards, for my Schnibbles finish (again, used a Target sheet for backing, so the yardage was lower), Block #1 for the Fat Quarter Shop Designer Block of the Month, and a set of potholders for a shower gift for a family friend.  It was a great couple of weeks!

Purchased: (hubby, if you're reading, please skip down to the next paragraph ...) 15.73 yards, mainly comprised for a beautiful fat quarter bundle of Martinique and some coordinating yardage for two big projects ... more on that later ...


YTD: +55.88 yards






Over the last two weeks I finished two quilts (here and here), so I have some new projects moving into my 5 Boxes.


Box #1:
Pattern: Cherish (Poplun Patterns)
Fabric: Cherish Nature by Moda

Cherish is coming along really nicely.  After feeling like I spent so much time on my Schnibbles Contest piece, this quilt feels like it's flying together.  I had cut all the pieces out last month, and was able to get the main panel and the first of three checkerboard borders on this afternoon.  I'm hoping that the quilt will continue to go together quickly.


The pattern will be available the weekend of August 21st in my etsy shop, so stay tuned!!


Boxes #2 & #3:
Patterns: Plan C and Hot Cross from Schnibbles Times Two
Fabric: Martinique by 3 Sisters for Moda Fabrics

(thanks to Fat Quarter Shop for the pictures!!)

These two (almost) twin quilts will be going to my hubby's grandmother and her twin sister, in honor of their 80th birthday next month!  Cutting and assembly should be starting next week, so I'll try and post pictures as I go along, but I can't tell you how much I love this beautiful fabric.  I'm not sure I can stop at just two quilts!

Boxes #3 and #4, which hold Country Inn and Candy Stripes Table Runner didn't get any love last week, and with three big projects to finish in August, plus three more patterns releasing, they might be on hold until September.  I'm not giving up on them yet!!

Box #5:

Pattern: Autumn Ohio Star Table Topper

Fabric: assorted fall-ish pieces from my stash!!

I cut out all the pieces for table topper and pattern over Thanksgiving break last year, but moved on to Christmas-y stuff before putting it together.  I'll be happy to have it together ahead of time this year, so it can spend Thanksgiving on my table, not in a box with all my other fall fabric.  The pattern should be available in my etsy shop starting the second week in August!

In the meantime, though, don't forget to check out my potholders giveaway.  You can enter here!  A winner will be chosen on Saturday, August 6th! Giveaway is now closed.

Introducing - In the Jungle Quilt Pattern

I'm so very excited to introduce to you the latest Poplun Pattern: In the Jungle.

To celebrate the release, I'll be offering the pattern for sale in my etsy shop for 50%  for a limited time.  You can purchase a .pdf file or the pattern can also be printed and mailed by special request.  Hope you enjoy!!

Here are the stats:

Finished Size:      46” x 46”

Fabric Used in Sample:     Safari Jungle Baby by Kate Honarvar for Timeless Treasures (available here)

Skill Level:            Confident Beginner -to- Early Intermediate

Fabric Requirements:

Avocado Marble: 1 yard

Sand Marble: ¾ yard

Tan Stripe: ½ yard

Jungle Print A: ½ yard

Jungle Print B: ½ yard

Jungle Print C: ½ yard

Batting:       50” x 50: piece

Backing:      50” x 50” piece -or- 1 ½ yards

Our first etsy treasury!

Yipee!!!! Our poplun shop just received it first treasury feature from the Sacramento Craft Collective!

Check it out!! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=82263 (available until 9/17/09).

The Sacramento Craft Collective just started a blog to let local crafters know about upcoming craft events in the Sacramento area. You can check them out at: http://saccraftcollective.blogspot.com/

Check It Out!

Wow -- two posts in two days? Madness!

Well, thanks to Michael's GREAT sale on Sugar 'n Cream Cotton Yarn, I now have a ridiculous number of skeins of cotton yarn. So to celebrate, I'm introducing ...

I can't decide which yarn to use first, so I'm asking you to decide for me. View the new yarn and place your order at www.poplun.etsy.com.

What's New?

Once again I am marveling at how long it has been since I've posted!! Once again, grad school has completely taken over my life! I can't tell you how excited I am to be nearing the end of the semester, which means more time for my hubby and pups ... and of course, my projects!

I had a super-productive winter break and was able to finish 6 quilt tops -- one for a gift for my manager and her beautiful, new baby girl, two that I actually managed to quilt and bind, and three that are just waiting for something wonderful.

So, what's new? Lots! Here's a sneak peak at what's coming down the pike for POPLUN!

**Sacramento's 10th Annual Quilt Rush Shop Hop: April 22nd - 25th, 2009**

http://quiltrush.com/stores.htm

Mom & I are off for a girls day this Friday, the 24th, to plump up our stashes! The plan is to hit up five of the ten participating stores between Grass Valley and Elk Grove.

If you're ambitious, you can visit all ten stores between Stockton, Chico and Winters to collect all ten stamps on your passport, which then becomes your raffle ticket for some really great prizes -- including a $1,000 shopping spree!!

** Online Fabric Shop Hop at http://www.fabshophop.com/**

April 1st - 30th, 2009

For those of you who don't feel like driving all over creation to feed you fabric addicition, here's a shop hop you can do in your pajama's from the comfort of your own home! Simply register your email address on the site and then hop from listed site to site -- search for the bunny logo while checking out all the great fabric and online shops out there. The more bunnies you find, the better prizes you can win!

During the March Shop Hop, I was excited to learn that I had won a gift certificate to http://www.quiltpatchlane.com/. I'm eagerly awaiting my shipment of fabric from the Henry Miller line, Dogwood by Michelle Engel Bencsko. Thank you to Gail at Quilt Patch Lane! My favorite piece in the coming shipment:

** Free-hand quilting **

Lately, I've been experimenting with free-handing quilting on my sewing machine. While I definitely am still getting the hang of it, I can't tell you how thrilled I am with the results! It is definitely a process that requires a relaxed frame of mind, but once you get into the rhythm of things, it's almost theraputic! I haven't completely finished any quilts yet, but here's a finished table runner:

For more pictures, please click here.

** New Projects **

With all of the craziness at school, I haven't a lot of time to take on large projects. So instead, I've been sneaking time to work on some quick little projects. New to the poplun store this month are .... Potholders & Washcloths!!

I have to confess ... I got the ideas for potholders from some fellow etsy shops. They just looked like such cute, quick, little projects that I couldn't resist. They're made from two layers of fabric, plus a layer of batting and a layer of Insul-bright for heat protection. Quilt them ... bind them ... and they're done! This pair took me a little under an hour to finish!

Please click here for more pictures.

I've always loved to crochet, and so these spa-inspried washclothes were fun and super-quick. They're made with 100% cotton yarn and turned out so well, I'm thinking of keeping a set or two for myself!!

For more pictures, please click here.

What's New?

Wow! I can't believe how long it's been. I've been so swamped with school this semester and am definitely looking forward to the holiday break!

I did take my recent 4-day weekend to catch up on some projects with all my fabulous fall fabric. My goal was to finish three projects in four days, and while I didn't quite get all of them done, I was definitely very happy to become reaquainted with my sewing machine.

Project #1 is a fall leaf table runner, featuring appliqued leaves and a colorful border. I just need to sew the binding on and then it will be listed for sale in my Etsy Shop soon! Pictures are coming tonight!

Project #2 is another fall table runner featuring a bow-tie pattern. I was planning on making a quilt with the same pattern for a Christmas gift, so I used the runner to play around with the pattern. While I'm really pleased with how it turned out, it definitely is too time-consuming for a quilt that needs to be done in a month! The runner is up for sale in my Etsy Shop for $34.99 + shipping.

Project #3 was inspired by mom, who brought her paper-piecing project over on Monday for our little sewing circle ... although I guess since there was just two of us, it was more of a sewing line...? Anyways, I designed the paper-pieced pattern myself and am planning on publishing a pattern for sale once I can get everything assembled. Here's a sneak-peak of the square. Please excuse the poor-picture quality -- I used my cell-phone camera. The colors and patterns are much more vibrant in person. Better quality pictures are on their way!!

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to my blog! Within the past couple of years I've acquired yet another hobby: sewing and quilting ... which has also led to the art of fabric shopping and acquisition ... which has led to the creation of my store: : http://www.blogger.com/www.poplun.etsy.com.

With this blog, I'll keep you updated on my current works-in-process, completed items, my favorite fabrics and patterns, and news for my store. Please check back often, as I'm adding new items and starting new projects all the time.

If you have any questions or would like to commission a custom order, please click on the "Contact Poplun" or "Request Custom Item" links on my store's homepage.

If you're unfamiliar with http://www.blogger.com/www.etsy.com -- check it out! It's a place where artisans come together to sell their handmade wares and crafting supplies.

Three of my favorite Etsy features:

1. "Hand-Picked Items" found on the main homepage. Every half-hour or so, 12 beautifully matched items from different sellers are showcased. It's a great way to happen across unique items that you might not have been looking for otherwise!
2. "Recently Listed Items" found slightly lower on the main homepage. This streaming feed showcases items as they are listed. Again, it's a great place to come across new items and discover new sellers.
3. "Favorites" found on each seller's home page. This gives sellers a place to showcase their favorite sellers and seller-items.

Anyways, thanks for visiting and please check back often!